Dismissal Of Fireman To Stand Firefighter Of 8 Years Charged In Drug Deal

September 8, 1986|By Prakash Gandhi of The Sentinel Staff

Orange County fire chiefs have upheld their decision to dismiss a firefighter charged with trafficking in cocaine.

Michael Ray White, 38, of 5433 Hansel Ave., Edgewood, received a notice last month from officials saying they intended to fire him.

White defended himself Thursday at a job hearing in an attempt to keep his $23,000-a-year job. But fire Deputy Chief Ed Spahn, who attended the hearing, said Friday he is sticking by the original decision.

White's attorney, Kenneth Lester, said he will appeal.

White was a county firefighter for eight years. Spahn said he was being dismissed for his attendance record and failing to notify the department about whether he would be reporting for work.

White was arrested outside his apartment Aug. 14 by Orange County deputy sheriffs and Edgewood police officers. Three ounces of cocaine worth at least $16,000 was in his pockets, sheriff's officials said.

Spahn said White contacted the department on Aug. 15 to say he wouldn't be at work.

He said White failed to contact the department again, except through his attorney to ask for the job hearing.

Lester disputed those claims Friday. He said White called the department after his arrest and after learning that he was being suspended with pay, assumed the department would contact him.

When White received his notice of dismissal, he promptly asked for the hearing, Lester said.

Drug agents charged that White sold several ounces of cocaine at a time to wealthy clients.

White is free on bail. He faces a minimum sentence of three years if convicted of trafficking.